Justin Langer ridicules 'Steve Smith cheating India' claims, blames IPL 2020 for injuries

Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith has been under scanner for resorting to what is widely being considered as a 'cheap' tactic in ir quest to secure a win and take a 2-1 lead in series at SCG. On Day 5 of third Test, Smith was caught on stump camera while scratching up Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's guard during drinks break in first session of play on Monday.  video of same went viral on social media in time.

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Justin Langer terms 'Steve Smith cheating India' claims as 'ludicrous'

Fans, as well as, former cricketers were left fuming after Smith's antics. After 'Steve Smith cheating India' incident was blown out of proportion, Australian captain Tim Paine and Smith himself came forward and issued a clarification over matter. w, Australian head coach Justin Langer has defended Smith and termed some of reaction to 'Steve Smith cheating India' claims as ludicrous and also lauded premier batsman for way he has carried himself since returning to side from ban imposed on him for Sandpapergate scandal.

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Langer said that he just cant believe some of rubbish he reads. According to Langer, anyone who suggests for one millisecond that Smith was trying to do something untoward, y're way out of line. Defending Smith's actions, Langer stated that SCG wicket was flat just like concrete that you need 15-inch spikes to make an indent on crease and added that 31-year old went where near crease.

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Langer furr said that  reaction that incident received was 'rubbish'. Australian head coach went on to heap praise on Smith saying that in last couple of years since he's been back, he's been exemplary on and off field. Langer reiterated that Smith was abused to limit in England but he just kept avoiding those with smiles and let his bat do talking.

Justin Langer blames Dream11 IPL 2020 for injuries during ongoing tour

Both Indian and Australia teams have been marred with numerous injuries in ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Several players have been injured during course of tour which have debilitated both squads. India travelled to Australia without ir batting mainstay Rohit Sharma (for first two Tests) and Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (out for whole tour) after y picked up injuries during Dream11 IPL 2020.

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Since n, India have lost Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja who injured mselves while batting, as well as Umesh Yadav (calf strain) and KL Rahul (injured at training), while R Ashwin, Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have also sustained injuries. As far as Australia are concerned, hosts were without David Warner and Marcus Stoinis for most part of limited series while  former was also unavailable for first two Tests. Will Pucovski also missed first two Tests, making Australia open with Matw Wade.

Speaking about growing injury concerns for both sides, Langer pinned all blame on Dream11 IPL 2020. Australian reckoned that Dream11 IPL 2020 probably wasn't timed well by BCCI, considering ermity of India's tour to Australia. Langer clarified that he loves IPL where players from all over world including ir own go and develop ir white-ball cricket. However, he indirectly urged BCCI to look into scheduling part of lucrative T20 competition so that workload manment is less complex.

India vs Australia 4th Test 2021 live streaming details

Meanwhile, series is still poised at 1-1 with fourth and final Test to be played from January 15-19. For India vs Australia 4th Test live telecast in India, fans can tune into  Sony Pictures Sports Network (SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 3 and SONY SIX) at 5:30 AM (IST) on Friday, January 15. For India vs Australia live scores, one can visit official website and social media ps of BCCI and Cricket Australia.  live streaming of India vs Australia 4th Test 2021 will be available for fans on  SonyLIV app.

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SOURCE: CRICKET.COM.AU